My Wife is the Asura Empress

"Apologies, Miss" Leo said, his voice steady as he sheathed his weapon. "This forest is known for its unpredictability. We're traveling alone and one can't be too careful. But as it seems, you and your companions are no threats."

Leo's guard was still subtly up, his sharp gaze scanning the group. However, as he noticed their weaponless state, his gaze softened. Their ordinary human auras did little to raise his alarm. Yet, his instincts urged him not to let down his guard, especially around the seemingly harmless boy.

Rio found himself perplexed by Leo's unease around him, but chose not to voice his confusion, opting for silence. The two groups maintained a cautious distance, eyes meeting eyes but saying nothing.

With a diplomatic tone, Lia initiated the conversation, "We've journeyed from quite a distance and seem to have lost our way in this forest. Could you possibly assist us?"

Leo raised an eyebrow, his mouth curving into a sly grin. "I'm not opposed to helping," he began, "but every service has its price."

Lia's heart sank momentarily. She couldn't access her spatial beast soul due to not being able to use mana and thus her wealth. She hesitated, then began to unclasp a jeweled bracelet from her wrist, ready to offer it as payment.

Before she could fully remove it, Grace, the girl in the pristine white dress, intervened, pushing Leo gently to the side. "Wait!" she exclaimed, her voice warm and empathetic. "You don't need to part with your jewelry. I'll guide you, regardless of his decision." She cast a reproachful glance at Leo, her eyes filled with compassion for Lia's gesture.

Leo took a moment, his gaze shifting between the group and Grace, who stood with her gentle yet firm demeanor. He let out a deep breath and lowered his head slightly in remorse.

"I apologize," Leo began, his voice softer, almost tinged with regret. "In these uncertain times and even more unpredictable woods, caution tends to get the best of me. I shouldn't have acted in such a manner, especially not towards travelers like yourselves." he spoke with genuine regret evident in his voice.

Grace nodded in acknowledgment, placing a reassuring hand on Leo's shoulder. This gesture not only comforted him but also signified her trust and the bond they shared.

Seeing Leo's sincere apology, Rio relaxed further. His posture eased as the tension between the groups dissolved.

Clearing his throat, Leo began, "I'm Leo, and this kind-hearted soul beside me is Grace. We're travelers, much like yourselves."

Lia stepped forward with an inviting smile, "It's a pleasure, Mister Leo and Lady Grace. I'm Lia." She gestured towards her companions. "This is my Husband, Rio," indicating the seemingly ordinary boy with an air of mystery, "my sisters Nyla, and Layla."

As they introduced themselves, grace closed the distance between them, "It's nice to meet you all but…"

Noticing her pause, everyone waited for Grace to continue.

With a slight hesitation and nervousness, she added, "For some reason i feel a familiarity with your husband.."

Grace gazed at Rio as her serene eyes and her heart was beating frantically to tell her something.

Hearing her words, Leo stepped forward, a mixed expression on his face. "What kind of charm do you have, man? You've already got a bunch of beauties around you, and now you've caught the eye of my Grace? What kind of otherworldly magic are you hiding?" He spoke with a blend of humor and disbelief.

Rio just scratched his head, not quite sure what to say. He was also surprised how Leo linked the other two to him since Lia only mentioned they were her sisters. However, the atmosphere felt lighter, the unspoken tension finally breaking.

Getting No reply from Rio, Leo decided to take the lead, "We should head in this direction until we find a cave. There's one nearby where we can rest," He instructed.

The girls nodded in agreement, following closely behind him. Rio trailed at the rear, vigilant and watchful. Every so often, Leo would cast a suspicious glance back at him, as though he were a mischievous boy up to no good.

Grace, Nyla, and the other girls huddled together, engaged in lively chatter.

"So, there was this one time Leo and I were climbing a mountain." Grace began, her eyes twinkling. "We reached the top, and he tried to show off by doing a handstand on the edge!"

Nyla laughed at the funny statement. "Seriously? What happened then?"

"He almost fell!" Grace said, giggling. "Luckily, I was there to pull him back. Not that I could've used magic or anything. Because, you know, I can't."

"You can't use magic?" Lia asked, surprised.

"Nope, not a spell. But I've got other skills, like saving show-offs from themselves!"

As the girls laughed, the group reached the large cave Leo had mentioned. Quickly, everyone got to work, arranging leaves and other materials into makeshift beds. It was a tacit agreement: boys on one side, girls on the other.

Leo looked around and saw Rio settling into his spot. Thinking this would be a good time to talk, Leo headed his way. But just as he arrived, he saw Rio and Layla, already cuddled up and fast asleep. Across the way, Lia, Grace, and Nyla were also sleeping peacefully.

"Great, a cave full of people, and not a single one to talk to. This fellow also betrayed me. I thought I could at least trust a man." Leo muttered under his breath, cursing inwardly. He sighed and returned to his own sleeping area, lying down in quiet resignation.

In the meantime, Rio and Layla shared a telepathic laugh. Tightening their embrace, they closed their eyes, each wearing a contented smile as they drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Rio and Layla were the first to rise. They headed outside to freshen up, followed by Lia, Grace, and Nyla, who also took advantage of the nearby river. Leo was the last to wake up. Once everyone was refreshed, they caught fish from the lake.

"Does anyone know how to cook these?" Leo inquired, holding up the freshly caught fish. Rio stepped forward without hesitation.

While Rio busied himself with the cooking, Nyla asked, "How do you know how to cook and grill fish?"

"Grandpa used to take me on picnics and taught me how to grill them," Rio responded, flipping the fish skillfully over the fire. Although he mentioned Grandpa but it was his adopted one.

As the aroma filled the air, Rio and Leo sat around the campfire, the girls forming a semicircle around them.

"How do you handle so many girls at once?" Leo asked, laughing. "I'm having difficulty just with one!"

=[SnowNote]=

Sorry, I'm not able to post chapters for this story in the recent time. But I will try to keep posting from time to time as I find some time.

I'll add the important character images on the:

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